Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    denismcnicoll's Avatar
    denismcnicoll Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Mar 21, 2009, 09:12 PM
    Existing switch will not shut off new fixture
    I am replacing a kitchen fixture and I can't turn it off with the existing switch

    The ceiling box has two wires going in. a black and white, as well as a black, white and red.

    I did not connect the red to anything as it was not connected to the previous fixture.

    The two blacks are capped,as are the whites but there is a white pigtail.

    I put the blacks to the black from the fixture, I put the white (pigtail)to the white from the fixture.

    All ground wires are connected.

    The light works but I can't turn it off.

    Anyone?
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #2

    Mar 22, 2009, 04:26 AM
    You have mis-wired the fixture.

    Isolate the black/White cable that is the supply line. This line will be constantly hot between black and white. Use a multimeter to make this test. Once you have the correct cable isolated, turn off the circuit breaker for this circuit.

    Once you have identified this cable, then connect the White wire that goes to the wall switch to the Black supply line. In theory, it will already have a black band around it. If it does not, then mark the wire.

    Connect the Black from the fixture to the Black from the switch. Connect the white from the supply cable to the white from the fixture.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #3

    Mar 22, 2009, 05:13 AM
    Don, you are assuming a switch loop, but I don't think that is the case. The presence of the red wire is a real clue to this.

    Denis, I'll bet the red wire was used before. If you really did connect it exactly the same why why is it not working right?

    Turn off the breaker.
    Connect both ground wires and then to the fixture ground.
    Connect the two blacks together and fold into the box.
    Connect the two whites together, and then connect the fixture white to this.
    Connect the fixture black to the ceiling red.
    Breaker on.
    Try switch. :)
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
     
    #4

    Mar 22, 2009, 07:38 AM
    Stan,

    You are correct, I assumed that the Black/White w/ground was a switch loop and that Black, Red, White w/ground was the supply line.

    I guess I should have asked for a picture of the ceiling connections and the switch.

    But if he has connected all blacks to black and all whites to white, then the fixture should be hot all the time as he says it is.

    By the way, that handbook is an excellent study guide.

    Don

Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions

 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

New run from an existing switch. [ 14 Answers ]

Hello all, I would like to run a new light that will be installed on the front lawn. It has three bulbs, totalling probably 40-60 watts for all three. My question is I would like to run the power off a switch in the foyer, that turns on the two lights by the front door. What size wire should I...

Adding a light fixture to a three way switch [ 2 Answers ]

I have a fixture in the basement controlled by two two switches, one at the top of the stairs, one down in the basement. I want to add a light to the top of the stairs and have it controlled by the same switch. I ran a wire through the wall to one of the switches, but I'm not sure how to connect...

Adding switch and fixture [ 1 Answers ]

Add-on shower light fixture, have already run wire to existing single switch box. What is the wiring to make double switch from the existing box? The existing switch has one house feed in/out

Light Switch and Fixture [ 1 Answers ]

Bought a 72 Mobile Home. Want to install new hall light. From box comes B & W(B) light Switch wires. Main Feed w/ B & W & Ground. than 2nd set B, W & Ground. The circuit breaker for this powers the following Kitch & LR & BR light as well as the Hall light & switch. Im think that the...

Changed fixture, light won't shut off now!? [ 1 Answers ]

Hi There Today I tried to change the fixture in my living room as well as the switch and now I am having problems. Previously, the switch was a dimmer switch, which I removed and changed to a standard on/off switch, connecting the black and white wires (1 each) to the 2 connectors on the switch....


View more questions Search